The Bat Dragon Power A Student Publication of Paris Junior College “The Friendliest College In The South”
Thursday March 1, 2012 Volume 87, No. 7
Softball & Baseball
Soccer
New sport to bring in new students and diversify student body
Schedule of upcoming games for both teams
Fan Vs. Non-fan
A look at sports from two perspectives
Thursday, March 1, 2012 The Bat
2 Cover Story
The Bat The student publication of Paris Junior College Member Texas Intercollegiate Press Association Texas Community College Journalism Association Comments and views in The Bat, a student publication of Paris Junior College, reflect thoughts and opinions of individual writers not necessarily the views of other students, staff members, faculty, administrative offices, or the PJC Board of Regents.
Staff
Editor Christina Gunlock Layout and dESign Editor Michael Carter StudEnt LifE Editor Alexander Thomas Staff WritErS David Dannheim Kaitlyn Skidmore Barbara Torres adviSEr Sharon Dennehy
Cover Photo
Number 22, Ladon Carnegie going for the ball against a Navarro p l a y e r. 5 6 - 5 4 i n favor of the Dragons. Cover Photo by Christina Gunlock
Dragons go for the trophy! AlexAnder ThomAs Student Life editor The PJC men’s basketball . has had a good season. team They are going on to Regionals, which are being held March 8-11 in Tyler. The winner will advance to the NJCAA National Tournament. This is where The Dragons are looking to bring home an o t h er championship. They won the National Championship in 2005. “We made it,” said Chuck Taylor, head coach of the PJC men’s basketball team. PJC is ranked number one in the North Zone conference but to secure that spot they will need to beat Trinity Valley. “We have been doing a lot of practicing and shooting,” said Landon Carnegie, number 22 from the Dragons. “Right now we are just taking it one step at a time; got to win these next games; we are going to come out hooping.” “We practice hard,” said Morris Mitchell, manager of the Dragons. “Our hardest games were Blinn, Lon Morris, and Navarro.” The Dragons are number 14 in the region and have two regional titles, according to NJCAA.com, with 20 wins, five losses and one cancel, it has been a solid year for the Dragons. “We are staying focused,” said number 13, Kendrick Fugett. The Dragons winning the
Kaitlyn Skidmore/ The Bat
Number 24, Phil Hawkins, taking a shot from the two point line while number 32, Cornelius Cammack, looks on.
conference championship would be a huge thing for the Paris community, giving PJC bragging rights until this time next year. “It would mean a lot for the simple fact that we have 14 new players,” said Taylor. These new players are all sophomores who were honored in the Wednesday night game, which was in progress during press time. They were honored, “to let them know how much we appreciate them,” said Taylor. Fans are excited about how far the team has come and how good their season has been. “Trinity Valley always has size, always has speed, and always has shooters,” said
Montario Earls, a sophomore fan on the Paris campus. “The team has a lot of heart, I feel emotionally attached to them.” said Tracy Scott, Director of Student Activities and a fan of the Dragons. “The number one seed means everything in the tournament; I feel like the way the team carries themselves says a lot about their unit, they have good communication. They are humble, they talk to everyone. How they act in school is the same way they act on the court. It says a lot about the way they were raised,” said John Demand, a freshman fan on the Paris campus.
Soccer comes to PJC March 1, 2012 The Bat
Christina GunloCk Editor
Come fall 2012, PJC will kick off a new period of PJC sports history with the addition of soccer. February 27, the PJC Board of Regents unanimously approved adding men’s and women’s soccer to the Athletic Department. When looking to add another sport, many community colleges choose soccer, says PJC President Dr. Pam Anglin. “It has become more popular the last five to seven years,” she says. Soccer will bring increased enrollment to PJC, says Anglin. Hopefully that will increase the number of students living on campus and help the
News 3
involvement in student activities and the community. According to a January 27 article in The Paris News, Jeremy Beshirs, Paris High’s boys head coach, says “Obviously, the biggest thing in all this is to get your degree. Soccer is a bonus. If you can do both, that’s a plus. Getting kids to go to college in this area is going to help both them and the college.” “It will diversify the student body even more,” says Anglin. The idea was first broached two years ago when the community began asking the board and Anglin what would become of Noyes Stadium. The stadium was used by Paris High School until their new stadium, Wildcat Stadium, was built.
The board asked Anglin to create a proposal outlining potential costs, possible levels of competition, and colleges PJC would compete against. The idea was tabled until this year. Following spring break, Anglin and Sean LeBeauf, PJC’s Athletic Director and women’s basketball coach, will sit down and discuss the logistics, then divide up the steps. Anglin says they will figure out what will need to be done to Noyes Stadium and plan renovations with the head of the maintenance department. As for the coaching staff for soccer, PJC will begin advertising near the end of March. The coaching might be divided into two part-time positions or one full time position depending on the person’s
qualifications. If someone can coach and teach a class, such as math or English, a full time position would be a possibility, explains Anglin. PJC would compete in Division I in both men’s and women’s soccer. The season would run through the fall semester until November. The teams would compete against other Division I teams, such as Northeast Texas Community College, Lon Morris and Tyler Junior College. The first teams will be recruited from area high schools before graduation and from try-outs. The college foundation has authorized up to 18 partial scholarships available to soccer athletes.
Mr. and Miss PJC 2012 Nominees
Demarcus Richardson, and Morgan Kilgore were crowned Mr. and Miss PJC during half time of the men’s basketball game last night at the Hunt Center. Pictured are all the nominees for Mr. and Miss PJC, from left: (seated) Lauren Pyka, Kilgore, Stephanie Goudy, Christina Gunlock, (standing) Richardson and Garrett Killgore. Individuals are Jacob Allen (top, left) and J.D. Allison (top, right).
Courtesy Photos
PJC Dragons up to bat
Thursday March 1, 2012 The Bat
4 Softball and Baseball
Kaitlyn Skidmore/The Bat
The PJC Lady Dragon’s Softball team practices on the baseball field by the Paris Civic Center last Wednesday.
Men’s Baseball Schedule March 3 March 7 March 10 March 12 March 17 March 19 March 21 March 24 March 28
Bossier Parish
Game 1: Noon
Bossier City, La
Game 2: 7/9 p.m.
Panola College
Game 1: Noon
Paris, TX
Game 2: 7/9 p.m.
Navarro College
Game 1: Noon
Corsicana, TX
Game 2 : 7/9 p.m.
Central Lake College
Game 1: Noon
Paris, TX
Game 2: 1/9 p.m.
Lon Morris College
Game 1: Noon
Jacksonville TX
Game 2: 7/9 p.m.
Eastfield College
Game 1: 3 p.m.
Paris, TX
Game 2: 1/9 p.m.
Texarkana College
Game 1: 1 p.m.
Paris, TX
Game 2: 7/9 p.m.
NCTC
Game 1: 1 p.m.
Paris, TX
Game 2: 7/9 p.m.
Bossier Parish
Game 1: 1 p.m.
Paris, TX
Game 2: 7/9 p.m.
Women’s Softball Schedule March 2-4
Region 14 Crossover
TBA
March 7
Trinity Valley CC
Game 1: 2 p.m.
March 10
Lon Morris College
Game 1: 1 p.m.
March 15
Murray State
Game 1: Noon
March 16
Navarro College
Game 1: Noon
March 17
Texarkana College
Game 1: 1 p.m.
March 19
Hill College
Game 1: 1 p.m.
March 21
Trinity Valley CC
Game 1: 2 p.m.
March 24
Bossier Parish CC
Game 1: 2 p.m.
March 28
NTCC
Game 1: 2 p.m.
Longview, TX Paris, TX
Jacksonville, TX Paris, TX Paris, TX Paris TX
Paris, TX Paris, TX Paris, TX
Mt. Pleasant, TX
Game 2: 4 p.m.
Game 2 : 3 p.m. Game 2: 2 p.m. Game 2: 2 p.m. Game 2: 3 p.m. Game 2: 3 p.m. Game 2: 4 p.m. Game 2: 4 p.m.
Game 2: 4 p.m.
March 1, 2012 The Bat
Profile 5
Dragon
Kaitlyn SKidmore Staff Writer Philip (Phil) Hawkins, sophomore engineering major at PJC, describes life in Washington D.C. as a lot colder and snowier version of Paris, with a few differences in culture and food. Phil is number 24 on the PJC Dragons basketball team. Even though he stands at 6 foot, his game matches up to players taller than he is. What is D.C. known for? Obviously, the White House. What is your earliest memory in D.C.? Going to the White House when I was seven; I was in a raffle drawing in elementary school and the top five students got to go. What are your favorite hangouts, or places to go, in or around D.C.? Georgetown; you can shop and just hang out there. What is everyday life in D.C. like? About the same as it is here: get up and go play basketball. What one word would you use to describe D.C.? Different. In D.C. there is more of a mixture of things. Here there is mainly Mexican food. Well, there are all kinds of food and culture in D.C. Is there anything famous or infamous about
Puffs Back-To-School Bingo Student Activities is hosting a back-to-school bingo night after spring break, March 20 at 8 p.m., in the PJC ballroom.
Kaitlyn Skidmore/ The Bat
Phil Hawkins, number 24, during the February 22 game.
D.C.? Famous restaurant Ben’s Chili Bowl. They serve chili and soul food. What are your favorite activities? I enjoy playing basketball and just hanging out. Do you ever return there? Over the holidays. Why did you choose to attend college at PJC? Wanted to get away to something different. Where are you headed after PJC? Not sure yet. Where do you see yourself in five years? I hope to be successful, but I guess that is what everyone wants. What is successful to you? Being able to do things for myself and keep my family happy. Are there any special holidays in D.C.? No special holidays we just celebrate President’s Day more than here; some people even have cookouts.
What is the one thing you miss most about D.C.? There is more going on there and more things to do. What do you wish other people knew about D.C.? It’s a cool place to just go and relax. It is not all busy like most would think. How did you end up living in D.C.? I was born and raised there. Would you ever move back to D.C.? Definitely. It’s where I am from; it is where my family is. What is a unique story you have about living in D.C.? 9/11 was crazy. I remember the whole town shutting down. I was 10 and remember school getting canceled. I did not realize the impact at the time but I remember teacher saying, “Remember this day; it will become an infamous day that will affect America forever.”
Movie Night on the Lawn There will be a movie showing on the field next to the library, March 27 at 9 p.m. Second Half of Loan The second half of the loan will be mailed for students who get it on March 29. “Tom, Dick and Harry” The PJC drama department will be presenting the play, by Ray Cooney and Michael Cooney, March 2 – March 3 at 7 p.m., and March 3 – March 4 at 2 p.m., in the Ray Karrer theatre. For reservations or performance information, call 903-782-0488. Spring Graduation Applications for Spring graduation are due by 5 p.m. March 2 in the Registrar’s Office. Lady Dragons play Kilgore Lady Dragons will play at Kilgore, Tx. on March 3 at 6 p.m.
March 1, 2012 The Bat
, S T N E D U NSFER ST SITY-COMMERCE
A R UNIVER T M N & A O S I AOTU’RTEEINNVITTED TO JOIN US FOR TEXA Y
P.M. 0 0 : 2 – . M . A 0 3 : 8 , 3 H C AR M Y L THAT L A A D E C N E W I E X PER PREVIE TUNIT Y TO OPPOR T A E R G A FFER! O THIS IS O T S A H MERCE A&M-COM nch!
nt with Lu • Free Eve gs! hip Drawin • Scholars ents! y and Stud lt case! u c a F t e e •M ations Show iz n a rg O t n & Stude • Academic ll Tours! on! sidence Ha e R d n a ip Informati s h u rs la o h c S • Camp y! l Aid and ut the da g, Financia s througho e in z ri rn P a e L in W & • l Living , Residentia s n io s is m d able! •A ssions avail e s l a u g in il b • Spanish
REGISTER ONLINE AT WWW.TAMU-COMMERCE.EDU/MANEEVENT AMERICA’S
BEST
COLLEGES 2011
WWW.TAMU-COMMERCE.EDU 903.886.5000 or 888.868.2682 A Member of The Texas A&M University System
March 1, 2012 The Bat
Opinion 7
Sports Non-Fan vs The Fan BarBara Torres Staff Writer
ChrisTina GunloCk editor
I am a beginning basketball fan. I am It is that time of year, and baseball not a fanatic who watches the games reand softball seasons are here. There are ligiously or collects everything with their many sports fans around campus, but team’s logo, but each season I am a little not everyone is a baseball or softball more on fire. As a relatively new fan, (I fan. have only become interested in the sport Personally, I am not a big baseball in the last two years) I still have a lot to fan. It may be because I don’t really learn. I follow two teams; PJC’s Dragons understand it; yet again I have never and the Dallas Mavericks. really tried. I find it kind of boring, Attending a Dragon’s home game last because I feel like there is not enough week reminded me why I became a fan. action, but I would like to learn a bit It is all about the experience, from the more about it. I enjoy going to the batmoment I enter the gym (free courtesy of ting cages and hitting some softballs, a PJC Student I.D.) to the last buzzer. The but I don’t really know much about a game is fast-paced, and the leaders change real game. frequently. You cannot hear a cell phone The Dragons played a double ring over the crowd. header with the Lon Morris College I try to keep up with the action as my Bearcats on Wednesday, Feb. 22, and camera clicks away. Basketball provides the Dragons won both games 8-1 and Kaitlyn Skidmore/ The Bat 13-3. At the game, I found another Paris Barbara Torres and Christina Gunlock wonderful opportunities for photography; you never know what you will capture next. Junior College student who is also not Every once in a while, I pause and yell along with everyone else. very interested in the sport of baseball, but he was there to supEven though my heart is racing, I still have to hold still to get the port a friend. best shots on the court. “I am not a big baseball fan because it is a very boring sport. Cheerleaders and sound bites amp up the crowds. Everyone I’m also left handed; when I tried to play baseball I would get hit is caught up in the fervor. People clap and stomp their feet while by the ball,” says Stoney Lynn. shouting a running commentary. “Come on!” or “Haha, look at “If they’re as good as our basketball or volleyball team, then they should be set. I believe in the PJC’s coaching staff, yet again that boy!” are heard frequently. The majority of the crowd is PJC fans, with gold and green dotting the crowd on both sides of the this is my first baseball game to attend so I don’t really know,” court. says Lynn. When the Dragons win 56-54, the crowd floods on to the The baseball team has fans, other than the players’ parents. court, cheering. Not only were there students supporting the Dragons, but there I first began watching basketball on the TV with my grandparwere also some of the PJC staff at the game. If the schedules ents. We would settle into our spots on the couch eating ice cream were different, the Dragons would probably have more people as we watched the Mavericks play. We would yell at the TV, supporting them. Afternoon games are hard to attend for students encouraging Dirk or Jason Terry. who work. Occasionally, my aunts and uncles would join us, crowding The men seem to be in shape and ready to play ball. At into my grandparents’ theater room to watch the game. I cherish the game they all seemed to have a good teamwork skill, which those memories built around watching the games and hope to makes a stronger team. They seem to enjoy this great American create many more. sport. Someday, I want to attend a Mavericks game live, to hear the Whether you are a baseball fan or not, there is always massive crowds, eat food priced way too high and see the giant something about the game that people enjoy. “I like any of the larger events, like going to watch the Rangers, because they serve men play the game. With the basketball season pretty much over, there are not alcohol,” says Lynn, laughing. many more opportunities to watch a game. However, PJC has several sports, such as softball, baseball, and golf. Take the time to go watch a game; who knows, you too might become a fan.
March 1, 2012 The Bat
